CN113812045A - Connecting terminal and connector - Google Patents
Connecting terminal and connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN113812045A CN113812045A CN202080034970.7A CN202080034970A CN113812045A CN 113812045 A CN113812045 A CN 113812045A CN 202080034970 A CN202080034970 A CN 202080034970A CN 113812045 A CN113812045 A CN 113812045A
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- China
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- heat storage
- vehicle
- holding portion
- storage body
- Prior art date
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L53/00—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
- B60L53/10—Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles characterised by the energy transfer between the charging station and the vehicle
- B60L53/14—Conductive energy transfer
- B60L53/16—Connectors, e.g. plugs or sockets, specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a connection terminal and a connector capable of suppressing a temperature rise at the time of energization. The vehicle-side connector (10) has a metal vehicle-side terminal (50) and a heat storage body (60) held by the vehicle-side terminal (50). The vehicle-side terminal (50) has: a terminal connection section (51) electrically connected to the charger-side terminal (82); an electric wire connection part (54) electrically connected to an electric wire (70); and a holding portion (56) formed integrally with the terminal connecting portion (51) and the wire connecting portion (54). The heat storage body (60) is held by the holding portion (56).
Description
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a connection terminal and a connector.
Background
Conventionally, a vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle includes a charging connector for charging a mounted power storage device (see, for example, patent document 1). In such a vehicle, various connectors including various harnesses and terminal connection portions for connecting the harnesses are provided as members for electrically connecting the charging connector and the power storage device.
Documents of the prior art
Patent document
Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-26273
Disclosure of Invention
Problems to be solved by the invention
However, the connector is required to have a large current for increasing the capacity of the mounted power storage device, shortening the charging time, and the like. However, when a large current is applied, the temperature of the connector increases due to heat generation at the terminal connecting portion of the connector caused by the current application. Therefore, in a connector having a terminal connecting portion such as a charging connector, it is desirable to suppress a temperature rise at the time of energization.
The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a connection terminal and a connector that can suppress a temperature rise during energization.
Means for solving the problems
The connecting terminal of the present disclosure has: a metal terminal; and a heat storage body held by the terminal, the terminal having: a terminal connecting portion electrically connected to a counterpart terminal; an electric wire connecting portion electrically connected to an electric wire; and a holding portion integrally formed with the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion, the heat storage body being held by the holding portion.
Effects of the invention
According to the connection terminal of the present disclosure, an effect of suppressing a temperature rise at the time of energization is exhibited.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view showing a connector according to an embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view (sectional view taken along line 3-3 in fig. 2) showing a connector according to an embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a vehicle-side terminal according to an embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle-side terminal of an embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modified example.
Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modification.
Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modified example.
Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modification.
Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modified example.
Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modification.
Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modified example.
Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a vehicle-side terminal of a modification.
Detailed Description
[ description of embodiments of the present disclosure ]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.
[1] The connection terminal of the present disclosure includes a metal terminal and a heat storage body held by the terminal, the terminal includes a terminal connection portion electrically connected to a counterpart terminal, an electric wire connection portion electrically connected to an electric wire, and a holding portion integrally formed with the terminal connection portion and the electric wire connection portion, and the heat storage body is held by the holding portion.
According to this structure, the terminal generates heat due to the current flowing when it is used. At this time, the heat generated in the terminal can be absorbed by the heat storage body held in the holding portion of the terminal. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the terminal.
[2] Preferably, the holding portion is provided between the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion. According to this structure, the heat accumulator is provided between the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion. Therefore, the heat storage body can be provided in the vicinity of both the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion. Here, in the terminal, heat is likely to be generated in the terminal connecting portion connected to the counterpart terminal and the wire connecting portion connected to the wire. Since the heat storage body can be provided in the vicinity of both the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion, the heat generated in the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion can be efficiently absorbed by the heat storage body. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the terminal.
[3] Preferably, the heat storage body is held in the holding portion. According to this structure, the heat storage body is disposed inside the holding portion. Thus, the heat storage body can be held by the holding portion without covering the outer surface of the holding portion. Therefore, even when the heat storage body is provided, it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation from the outer surface of the holding portion from being inhibited by the heat storage body. For example, when the connection terminal is held by the connector housing, the outer surface of the holding portion can be brought into contact with the connector housing. Therefore, heat generated in the terminal can be thermally transferred toward the connector housing through the outer surface of the holding portion of the terminal. This enables heat generated in the terminal to be efficiently released from the outer surface of the connector housing to the atmosphere. Therefore, heat generated in the terminal can be efficiently dissipated.
[4] The heat storage body includes a case held by the holding portion, and a heat storage material stored in the case. According to this configuration, the heat generated in the terminal can be absorbed by the heat storage material housed in the case. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the terminal. Further, since the heat storage material can be stored in a case separate from the terminal, the heat storage body can be handled separately from the terminal. This improves the handleability of the heat storage body.
[5] Preferably, the cartridge is made of a material having thermal expansibility. According to this structure, the case made of a material having thermal expansibility expands due to, for example, heat transmitted from the terminal. This enables the cartridge to be appropriately brought into close contact with the holding portion. As a result, the heat transferability between the terminal and the heat storage body can be improved. Therefore, the heat storage material of the heat storage body can efficiently absorb the heat generated in the terminal, and the temperature rise of the terminal can be suppressed more efficiently.
[6] Preferably, the holding portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the heat storage body is provided in an internal space of the holding portion. With this configuration, the heat storage body can be held by the holding portion by inserting the heat storage body into the internal space of the cylindrical holding portion.
[7] Preferably, the holding portion has a protruding piece protruding in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the terminal connection portion, the wire connection portion, and the holding portion are arranged, and the holding portion holds the heat storage body by pressure-bonding the protruding piece to an outer surface of the heat storage body.
With this configuration, the heat storage body can be held by the holding portion by pressing the protruding piece against the outer surface of the heat storage body. This allows the protruding piece to be appropriately brought into close contact with the outer surface of the heat storage body. As a result, the heat transfer between the terminal and the heat storage body can be improved. Therefore, the heat generated in the terminal can be efficiently absorbed by the heat storage body, and the temperature rise of the terminal can be more effectively suppressed.
[8] Preferably, the holding portion has a bottom wall extending between the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion, and a side wall standing on the bottom wall, and the heat storage body has an engaging portion engaging with the side wall.
With this configuration, the heat storage body can be held by the holding portion by engaging the engaging portion of the heat storage body with the side wall of the holding portion. This allows the heat storage body to be easily held by the holding portion.
[9] Preferably, the connector of the present disclosure includes the connection terminal according to any one of the above [1] to [8], and a connector housing that holds the connection terminal. With this configuration, the heat generated in the terminal is absorbed by the heat storage body, and the amount of heat transferred from the terminal to the connector housing can be reduced. Therefore, a rapid temperature rise of the connector housing can be suppressed.
[ details of embodiments of the present disclosure ]
Specific examples of the connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, a part of the structure is sometimes enlarged or simplified for convenience of explanation. The dimensional ratios of the respective portions may be different in each drawing. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.
(outline structure of vehicle-side connector 10)
The vehicle-side connector 10 shown in fig. 1 is used to charge a power storage device (not shown) mounted in a vehicle V (see fig. 2) such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
As shown in fig. 2, the vehicle-side connector 10 is fixed to the vehicle V by a fastening member (not shown) such as a bolt. The vehicle-side connector 10 is connected to a power storage device (not shown) via an electric wire 70.
As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a charger-side connector 80 as a counterpart connector is connected to the vehicle-side connector 10. In the example shown in fig. 2 and 3, the charger-side connector 80 is connected to the vehicle-side connector 10 from the left side in the drawing. The left side in the drawings in fig. 2 and 3 is the outside of the vehicle V, that is, the outside of the vehicle compartment. The left-right direction in fig. 2 and 3 is the insertion/removal direction of the charger side connector 80. In the following description, the left-right direction in fig. 2 and 3 is referred to as the front-rear direction, the up-down direction in fig. 2 is referred to as the up-down direction, and the up-down direction in fig. 3 is referred to as the left-right direction. In the following description, the left side of fig. 2 is referred to as the front, the right side of fig. 2 is referred to as the rear, the upper side of fig. 2 is referred to as the upper side, the lower side of fig. 2 is referred to as the lower side, the upper side of fig. 3 is referred to as the right side, and the lower side of fig. 3 is referred to as the left side.
(concrete Structure of vehicle side connector 10)
As shown in fig. 3, the vehicle-side connector 10 includes a connector housing 20, one or more (two in the present embodiment) vehicle-side terminals 50, and a heat storage body 60. The connector housing 20 has a housing main body 30 and a stopper body 40.
(Structure of case body 30)
The case main body 30 is made of insulating synthetic resin. The housing main body 30 includes a fitting portion 31, a flange portion 32, a cylindrical portion 33, one or a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) terminal receiving portions 34, and one or a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) terminal holding portions 35.
The fitting portion 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The charger side connector 80 is inserted into the fitting portion 31. Here, the charger side connector 80 has a connector housing 81 and a charger side terminal 82 held by the connector housing 81. The front end (here, the rear end) of the connector housing 81 is fitted inside the fitting portion 31. The fitting portion 31 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, for example. The fitting portion 31 of the present embodiment is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open front end. The fitting portion 31 includes, for example, a cylindrical cover portion 31A and a back wall portion 31B that closes the rear end of the cover portion 31A.
As shown in fig. 1, flange portion 32 is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of cover portion 31A toward the radially outer side of cover portion 31A. The flange portion 32 is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction over the entire circumferential direction of the cover portion 31A, for example. The flange portion 32 of the present embodiment is formed in a substantially square plate shape. The flange portion 32 has a plurality of attachment holes 32X penetrating the flange portion 32 in the plate thickness direction (here, the front-rear direction). Fastening members (not shown) such as bolts are inserted into the mounting holes 32X. The vehicle-side connector 10 is fixed to the vehicle V by these fastening members (see fig. 2).
The cylindrical portion 33 extends rearward from the flange portion 32. The cylindrical portion 33 of the present embodiment is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in fig. 2, the cylindrical portion 33 of the present embodiment is provided at a position offset downward with respect to the fitting portion 31.
As shown in fig. 3, each terminal housing portion 34 extends forward from the back wall portion 31B. Each terminal housing portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Each terminal housing portion 34 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The two terminal receiving portions 34 are arranged in the left-right direction of the vehicle-side connector 10, for example.
Each terminal holding portion 35 extends rearward from the back wall portion 31B. Each terminal holding portion 35 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Each terminal holding portion 35 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than that of each terminal accommodating portion 34. Each terminal holding portion 35 is provided coaxially with each terminal housing portion 34, for example. The internal space of each terminal holding portion 35 communicates with the internal space of each terminal housing portion 34, for example. The vehicle-side terminals 50 are inserted into the terminal receiving portions 34 and the terminal holding portions 35. That is, each of the terminal housing portions 34 and each of the terminal holding portions 35 constitute a terminal housing tube for housing the vehicle-side terminal 50.
(Structure of vehicle-side terminal 50)
As shown in fig. 4 and 5, each vehicle-side terminal 50 includes, for example, a terminal connection portion 51 electrically connected to a charger-side terminal 82 (see fig. 3) as a counterpart terminal, and a wire connection portion 54 electrically connected to a wire 70 (see fig. 3). Each vehicle-side terminal 50 has a locking portion 55 and a holding portion 56 provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54. Each vehicle-side terminal 50 is, for example, a single member in which the terminal connecting portion 51, the locking portion 55, the holding portion 56, and the wire connecting portion 54 are integrally connected in the front-rear direction. As the material of each vehicle-side terminal 50, for example, a metal material such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or the like can be used. Each vehicle-side terminal 50 may be subjected to surface treatment such as silver plating, tin plating, aluminum plating, or the like depending on the type of metal constituting the terminal and the use environment. Each of the vehicle-side terminals 50 can be formed by cutting a metal bar material having excellent conductivity, for example. Each of the vehicle-side terminals 50 can be formed by, for example, press working a metal plate having excellent conductivity.
(Structure of terminal connecting part 51)
As shown in fig. 4, the terminal connection portion 51 is provided at an end portion in front of the vehicle-side terminal 50, for example. The terminal connection portion 51 is, for example, a female terminal. The terminal connecting portion 51 includes a base portion 52 and a cylindrical connecting portion 53 provided in front of the base portion 52. The base portion 52 and the cylindrical connecting portion 53 of the terminal connecting portion 51 are integrally connected in the front-rear direction.
The base 5 is formed in a columnar shape, for example, with a solid structure inside. The base portion 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a dimension in the front-rear direction shorter than the cylindrical connection portion 53, for example. As shown in fig. 3, the base portion 52 is housed in the terminal housing portion 34, for example. The outer diameter of the base portion 52 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal housing portion 34, for example. In a state where the base portion 52 is accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 34, for example, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 52 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion 34. The contact between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal accommodating portion 34 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact.
The cylindrical connection portion 53 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The charger-side terminal 82 of the charger-side connector 80 is inserted into the cylindrical connection portion 53. The charger-side terminal 82 of the present embodiment is a male terminal. As shown in fig. 4, the cylindrical connecting portion 53 has, for example, a plurality of elastic pieces 53A. The plurality of elastic pieces 53A are provided at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the base portion 52, for example. In other words, the tubular connection portion 53 is provided with slits 53X at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and the slits 53X are formed by cutting from the front end opening edge of the tubular connection portion 53 toward the rear. As shown in fig. 3, the inner diameter of the cylindrical connection portion 53 is set slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the charger-side terminal 82. When the charger-side terminal 82 is inserted into the cylindrical connection portion 53, the plurality of elastic pieces 53A come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the charger-side terminal 82. Thereby, the cylindrical connection portion 53 (terminal connection portion 51) and the charger-side terminal 82 are electrically connected. The outer diameter of the cylindrical connecting portion 53 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal receiving portion 34, for example. The base portion 52 and the cylindrical connection portion 53 (i.e., the terminal connection portion 51) described above are housed in the terminal housing portion 34.
(Structure of wire connecting part 54)
The wire connection portion 54 is provided at an end portion on the rear side of the vehicle-side terminal 50, for example. The wire connecting portion 54 is electrically connected to an end of the wire 70. Here, the electric wire 70 is a covered electric wire having a core wire 71 made of a metal material having excellent conductivity and an insulating covering 72 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 71. At the end of the wire 70, the insulating coating 72 is peeled off within a predetermined length range from the end of the wire 70, and the core wire 71 is exposed. The wire connecting portion 54 is connected to an end portion of the core wire 71 exposed from the insulating coating portion 72. The wire connection portion 54 is connected to the core wire 71 by, for example, crimping, ultrasonic welding, or the like. The wire connection portion 54 of the present embodiment is formed in an open cylindrical shape and connected to the core wire 71 by crimping. Thereby, the wire connecting portion 54 and the core wire 71 are electrically connected.
(Structure of locking part 55)
As shown in fig. 4, the locking portion 55 is provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54, for example. The locking portion 55 is provided behind the terminal connecting portion 51 (specifically, the base portion 52), for example. The locking portion 55 is formed to protrude radially outward of the base 52 from the outer peripheral surface of the base 52, for example. The locking portion 55 is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction over the entire circumferential direction of the base portion 52, for example. As shown in fig. 5, the locking portion 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow structure inside, for example. The locking portion 55 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The locking portion 55 has an internal space, for example. As shown in fig. 3, the locking portion 55 is held by the terminal holding portion 35, for example. The outer diameter of the locking portion 55 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the terminal housing 34 and slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the terminal holding portion 35, for example. The locking portion 55 is locked to the rear surface of the back wall portion 31B, for example. In a state where the locking portion 55 is held by the terminal holding portion 35, for example, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion 55 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the terminal holding portion 35. The contact between the outer peripheral surface of the locking portion 55 and the inner peripheral surface of the terminal holding portion 35 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact.
(Structure of holding part 56)
As shown in fig. 5, the holding portion 56 is provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54. The holding portion 56 is provided behind the locking portion 55, for example. The holding portion 56 of the present embodiment is provided between the locking portion 55 and the wire connecting portion 54. The holding portion 56 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The internal space of the holding portion 56 communicates with the internal space of the locking portion 55, for example. The inner diameter of the holding portion 56 is, for example, the same as the inner diameter of the locking portion 55. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the holding portion 56 and the inner peripheral surface of the locking portion 55 are continuously and integrally formed without a step. The internal space of the holding portion 56 and the internal space of the locking portion 55 constitute a housing space 57 for housing the heat storage body 60. The bottom of the housing space 57 is constituted by, for example, the rear surface of the base 52. The outer diameter of the holding portion 56 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the locking portion 55, for example. The outer diameter of the holding portion 56 is set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the base portion 52, for example. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the holding portion 56 of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the terminal connecting portion 51 may be arranged coaxially, for example, linearly in a line. The terminal connection portion 51, the holding portion 56, and the wire connection portion 54 of the vehicle-side terminal 50 may be arranged coaxially, for example, linearly in a line.
(Structure of Heat storage body 60)
The heat accumulator 60 is held by the holding portion 56 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. That is, the heat accumulator 60 is provided between the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. The heat storage body 60 of the present embodiment is housed in the housing space 57, and the housing space 57 is formed in the locking portion 55 and the holding portion 56 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. The heat storage body 60 includes a case 61 and a heat storage material 65 stored in the case 61.
(Structure of the case 61)
The cartridge 61 includes a bottomed cylindrical cartridge main body 62 formed to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing space 57, and a cover 63 for closing an opening of the cartridge main body 62. As the material of the cartridge main body 62 and the cover 63, a material having thermal expansibility or a material having good thermal conductivity can be used. As the material having thermal expansibility, for example, rubber, resin, metal, or the like can be used. By forming the cartridge 61 from a material having thermal expansibility, the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 61 can be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing space 57 regardless of temperature change. As the rubber, for example, EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber), silicone rubber, fluororubber, or the like can be used. Examples of the resin include epoxy resins, polyethylene resins, and polyurethane resins. As the metal, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material can be used. The material of the cartridge main body 62 and the material of the cover 63 may be the same material as each other or may be different materials from each other.
The outer peripheral surface of the cartridge main body 62 is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the housing space 57, for example. The cartridge main body 62 of the present embodiment is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the cartridge main body 62 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing space 57, for example. The cartridge main body 62 has a housing portion 64 that houses the heat storage material 65.
The cover 63 is fixed to the cartridge main body 62 so as to seal the opening of the cartridge main body 62. The lid 63 is fixed to the cartridge body 62 by a method such as ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like. The cover 63 of the present embodiment is formed in a circular plate shape.
When the opening of the main body 62 is closed by the lid 63 in a state where the heat storage material 65 is stored in the storage portion 64 of the main body 62, the heat storage material 65 is sealed inside the case 61.
(Structure of Heat-accumulative Material 65)
The heat storage material 65 can temporarily store heat. As the heat storage material 65, a material utilizing latent heat at the time of phase change between a liquid and a solid can be used. As the heat storage material 65, a material having a melting point in a temperature range in which it is used can be used. As the material of the heat storage material 65, for example, paraffin, sodium sulfate decahydrate, sodium acetate trihydrate, vanadium dioxide, or the like can be used.
(holding mode of the Heat storage body 60)
The case 61 in which the heat storage material 65 is stored, that is, the heat storage body 60 is inserted into the storage space 57 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. That is, the heat accumulator 60 of the present embodiment is provided inside the vehicle-side terminal 50. In other words, the heat accumulator 60 of the present embodiment is held on the vehicle-side terminal 50 without covering the outer surface of the vehicle-side terminal 50. For example, the heat accumulator 60 is inserted into the housing space 57 in the front-rear direction.
In a state where the heat accumulator 60 is housed in the housing space 57, for example, at least a part of the bottom wall of the case main body 62 is in contact with the bottom of the housing space 57 (i.e., the rear surface of the base portion 52). In a state where the heat accumulator 60 is accommodated in the accommodation space 57, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the case main body 62 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space 57. The contact between the outer surface of the cartridge main body 62 and the inner surface of the housing space 57 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact. The heat storage material 65 housed inside the case 61 stores heat emitted from the vehicle-side terminals 50.
The case 61 is closed by a lid 63. The lid 63 can prevent the heat storage material 65 liquefied in the case 61 from leaking. For example, the lid 63 is fixed to the case main body 62 so that the liquefied heat storage material 65 cannot flow therethrough.
Further, an adhesive, a Thermal Interface Material (TIM), or the like may be interposed between the inner surface of the housing space 57 and the outer surface of the case 61. As the adhesive, for example, an epoxy resin adhesive, a urethane adhesive, or an acrylic resin adhesive can be used. As the heat conductive member, for example, a soft metal such as indium or silver, a silicone gel, an organic resin binder containing a metal filler, or the like can be used.
The vehicle-side terminal 50 and the heat storage body 60 described above constitute a connection terminal.
(Structure of stopper body 40)
As shown in fig. 3, the stopper body 40 is fitted to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 33 of the housing main body 30. The stopper body 40 prevents the vehicle-side terminal 50 from being detached. The stopper 40 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. As a material of the stopper body 40, for example, synthetic resin such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, ABS resin, or the like can be used.
The stopper 40 has a base portion 41, a peripheral wall 42, a terminal pressing portion 43, a wire holding portion 44, and a surrounding wall portion 45. The base 41 is formed in a circular plate shape, for example. The peripheral wall 42 is formed to protrude forward from the peripheral edge of the base portion 41, for example. The peripheral wall 42 is formed over the entire circumferential periphery of the peripheral edge of the base portion 41, for example. The peripheral wall 42 is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 33 of the housing body 30, for example. That is, the peripheral wall 42 is fitted to the outside of the cylindrical portion 33 of the housing main body 30. For example, engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall 42 and the cylindrical portion 33, respectively. The stopper 40 is attached to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 33 by engaging an engaging portion of the peripheral wall 42 with an engaging portion of the cylindrical portion 33, for example.
The terminal pressing portion 43 is formed to protrude forward from the base portion 41, for example. The terminal pressing portion 43 is provided at a position corresponding to the terminal holding portion 35 of the housing main body 30. The terminal pressing portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The terminal pressing portion 43 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The terminal pressing portion 43 is inserted between the inner surface of the terminal holding portion 35 and the outer surface of the vehicle-side terminal 50. The tip end portion (tip end portion in this case) of the terminal pressing portion 43 abuts against the rear surface of the locking portion 55 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. The stopper 40 prevents the vehicle-side terminal 50 from being removed from the rear.
The wire holding portion 44 is formed to protrude rearward from the base portion 41. The wire holding portion 44 is provided at a position corresponding to the terminal pressing portion 43. The wire holding portion 44 is provided coaxially with the terminal pressing portion 43, for example. The wire holding portion 44 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the wire holding portion 44 is set to, for example, the same size as the outer diameter of the terminal pressing portion 43. The inner diameter of the wire holding portion 44 is set to be, for example, the same as the inner diameter of the terminal pressing portion 43. The inner space of the wire holding portion 44 and the inner space of the terminal pressing portion 43 communicate with each other. The electric wire 70 is housed in the internal space of the electric wire holding portion 44.
The surrounding wall portion 45 protrudes rearward from the base portion 41. The surrounding wall 45 is formed to have a cylindrical shape surrounding the plurality of wire holding portions 44 collectively, for example. The surrounding wall portion 45 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape.
(action)
Next, the operation of the vehicle-side connector 10 will be described.
When the charger-side connector 80 shown in fig. 1 is fitted to the vehicle-side connector 10, a charging current is supplied from a charger outside the vehicle to the power storage device mounted on the vehicle V through the charger-side connector 80 and the vehicle-side connector 10. At this time, a large charging current is supplied from a charger outside the vehicle to the power storage device in order to shorten the charging time. When the charging current starts to be supplied, heat is generated at the contact portion of the charger-side terminal 82 and the vehicle-side terminal 50 (terminal connection portion 51), the vehicle-side terminal 50, the contact portion of the electric wire 70 and the vehicle-side terminal 50 (wire connection portion 54), and the like. In particular, heat generation is likely to occur at the contact portion between the charger-side terminal 82 and the vehicle-side terminal 50 and at the contact portion between the wire 70 and the vehicle-side terminal 50 (wire connection portion 54). The heat in the vehicle-side terminal 50 or the like rises sharply at the start of charging, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, it changes at a temperature lower than the maximum temperature at the start of charging.
At this time, in the vehicle-side connector 10 of the present embodiment, the heat storage body 60 containing the heat storage material 65 is housed in the vehicle-side terminal 50. Specifically, the heat accumulator 60 is held by the holding portion 56 between the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. The heat storage material 65 temporarily stores heat. The heat storage material 65 temporarily stores latent heat (heat of solution) by a phase change from solid to liquid due to heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50 or the like. That is, the heat storage material 65 absorbs heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50. Further, the heat storage material 65 absorbs heat, and thereby the amount of heat transferred from the vehicle-side terminal 50 to the electric wire 70, the connector housing 20, and the like can be reduced. Therefore, an abrupt temperature rise of the electric wire 70, the connector housing 20, and the like can also be suppressed. By using the heat storage material 65, the maximum temperature of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the connector housing 20 at the start of charging can be set to a temperature lower than the maximum temperature in the case where the heat storage material 65 is not used.
When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of charging, the temperature of the vehicle-side terminal 50 changes at a predetermined temperature lower than the maximum temperature. Here, the thickness of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the thickness of the wire 70 are set so that the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the wire 70 can withstand the highest maximum temperature that is raised even temporarily. In the present embodiment, the use of the heat storage body 60 can suppress an increase in the temperature of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the electric wire 70. Therefore, the cross-sectional areas of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the electric wire 70 can be set small. Thereby, the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be formed thin, and the electric wire 70 can be formed thin. Therefore, the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the electric wire 70 can be reduced in weight.
Here, the heat accumulator 60 is held at a part of the vehicle-side terminal 50. That is, the heat accumulator 60 is in direct contact with the vehicle-side terminal 50. Therefore, the heat generated at the vehicle-side terminal 50 is easily absorbed by the heat storage material 65 of the heat storage body 60. Therefore, temperature increases of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the electric wire 70 can be effectively suppressed. Further, the heat accumulator 60 is provided between the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. Therefore, the heat accumulator 60 is provided in the vicinity of both the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. Thus, the heat storage body 60 can be provided in the vicinity of a portion that easily generates heat when charging is started, that is, a contact portion between the terminal connection portion 51 and the charger-side terminal 82 and a contact portion between the wire connection portion 54 and the wire 70. Therefore, the heat generated at the portion that easily generates heat can be efficiently absorbed by the heat storage material 65 of the heat storage body 60. As a result, the temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the electric wire 70 can be effectively suppressed.
When charging of the power storage device mounted on the vehicle V is completed, the charger-side connector 80 is detached from the vehicle-side connector 10. Then, the heat stored in the heat storage material 65 of the vehicle-side connector 10 is gradually dissipated through the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the connector housing 20. By this heat dissipation, the heat storage material 65 is cured. In the case of no charging, no current flows in the vehicle-side terminal 50, and therefore the vehicle-side terminal 50 does not generate heat. The heat storage material 65 in this case radiates heat and solidifies.
Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) The vehicle-side connector 10 includes a metal vehicle-side terminal 50 and a heat storage body 60 held by the vehicle-side terminal 50. The vehicle-side terminal 50 includes a terminal connection portion 51 electrically connected to the charger-side terminal 82, a wire connection portion 54 electrically connected to the wire 70, and a holding portion 56 integrally formed with the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. The heat storage body 60 is held by the holding portion 56.
In this structure, the vehicle-side terminal 50 generates heat due to the current flowing at the time of its use. At this time, the heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be absorbed by the heat storage body 60 held in the holding portion 56 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be set small. Thereby, the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be formed thin. Therefore, the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be made lightweight.
(2) The holding portion 56 is provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54. According to this structure, the heat accumulator 60 held by the holding portion 56 is provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54. Therefore, the heat storage body 60 can be provided in the vicinity of both the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. Here, among the terminals, heat is likely to be generated in the terminal connection portion 51 connected to the charger-side terminal 82 and the wire connection portion 54 connected to the wire 70. Since the heat storage body 60 can be provided in the vicinity of both the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54, the heat generated in the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54 can be efficiently absorbed by the heat storage body 60. This can effectively suppress a rapid temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50.
(3) The heat storage body 60 is held in the holding portion 56. With this structure, the heat storage body 60 is disposed inside the holding portion 56. This allows the heat storage body 60 to be held by the holding portion 56 without covering the outer surface of the holding portion 56. Therefore, even in the case where the heat storage body 60 is provided, it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation from the outer surface of the holding portion 56 from being hindered by the heat storage body 60. For example, when the vehicle-side terminal 50 is held by the connector housing, the outer surface of the holding portion can be brought into contact with the connector housing. Therefore, heat generated in the terminal can be thermally transferred toward the connector housing through the outer surface of the holding portion of the terminal. This enables heat generated in the terminal to be efficiently released from the outer surface of the connector housing to the atmosphere. Therefore, heat generated in the terminal can be efficiently dissipated.
(4) The heat storage body 60 includes a case 61 held by the holding portion 56, and a heat storage material 65 stored in the case 61. According to this configuration, the heat generated in the vehicle-side terminals 50 can be absorbed by the heat storage material 65 housed inside the case 61. This can suppress a rapid temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50. Further, since the heat storage material 65 can be stored in the case 61 which is separate from the vehicle-side terminal 50, the heat storage body 60 can be handled separately from the vehicle-side terminal 50. This can improve the handleability of the heat storage body 60.
(5) The cartridge 61 is made of a material having thermal expansibility. According to this structure, the cartridge 61 made of a material having thermal expansibility expands due to, for example, heat transmitted from the vehicle-side terminal 50. This enables the cartridge 61 to be appropriately brought into close contact with the holding portion 56. In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the cartridge 61 can be appropriately brought into close contact with the inner surface of the housing space 57 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. As a result, the heat transferability between the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the heat storage body 60 can be improved. Therefore, the heat storage material 65 of the heat storage body 60 can efficiently absorb the heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50, and the temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be suppressed more efficiently.
(6) The holding portion 56 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the heat storage body 60 is provided in the internal space of the holding portion 56. With this configuration, the heat accumulator 60 can be held by the holding portion 56 by inserting the heat accumulator 60 into the internal space of the cylindrical holding portion 56.
(7) The vehicle-side connector 10 includes a vehicle-side terminal 50, a heat storage body 60 held by the vehicle-side terminal 50, and a connector housing 20 holding the vehicle-side terminal 50. According to this structure, the heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50 is absorbed by the heat storage body 60, and the amount of heat transferred from the vehicle-side terminal 50 to the connector housing 20 can be reduced. Therefore, an abrupt temperature rise of the connector housing 20 can be suppressed.
(other embodiments)
The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined and implemented in a range not technically contradictory to each other.
The structure of the holding portion 56 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. That is, the structure of the holding portion 56 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the heat storage body 60.
For example, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, a holding portion 90 may be used instead of the holding portion 56. The holding portion 90 includes, for example, a bottom wall 91 extending between the locking portion 55 and the wire connecting portion 54, and a pair of projecting pieces 92 projecting upward from both ends of the bottom wall 91 in the left-right direction. The bottom wall 91 is formed to expand in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, for example. Each of the projecting pieces 92 is formed so as to project in a direction (here, upward) intersecting the direction in which the terminal connecting portion 51, the holding portion 90, and the wire connecting portion 54 are arranged (here, the front-rear direction). In this case, the holding portion 90 holds the heat storage body 60 by pressing the protruding piece 92 against the outer surface of the heat storage body 60. This allows the protrusion piece 92 to be appropriately brought into close contact with the outer surface of the heat storage body 60. The projecting piece 92 is formed in a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge main body 62, for example. The projecting piece 92 is formed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge main body 62.
In the present modification, the locking portion 55 is formed in a columnar shape having a solid structure inside. The locking portion 55 of the present modification is formed in a cylindrical shape. At this time, as shown in fig. 7, for example, at least a part of the bottom wall of the case main body 62 of the heat accumulator 60 contacts the rear surface of the locking portion 55. The contact between the outer surface of the cartridge main body 62 and the rear surface of the locking portion 55 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact.
The heat accumulator 60 of the present modification is mounted on the bottom wall 91 of the holding portion 90 in a state where the pair of projecting pieces 92 project upward, that is, the bottom wall 91 exposed from the pair of projecting pieces 92. Next, the pair of projecting pieces 92 are pressed against the outer surface of the heat storage body 60 so as to be along the outer surface. This allows the heat accumulator 60 to be held in the holding portion 90 in a state in which the protruding piece 92 is in close contact with the outer surface of the heat accumulator 60. As a result, the heat transfer property between the vehicle-side terminal 50 and the heat storage body 60 can be improved. Therefore, the heat generated in the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be efficiently absorbed by the heat storage body 60, and the temperature rise of the vehicle-side terminal 50 can be effectively suppressed.
For example, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, a holding portion 100 may be used instead of the holding portion 56. The holding portion 100 includes, for example: a bottom wall 101 extending between the locking portion 55 and the wire connecting portion 54; and a pair of side walls 102 erected on both ends of the bottom wall 101 in the left-right direction. The bottom wall 101 is formed to expand in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, for example.
As shown in fig. 8, each side wall 102 is formed so as to protrude in a direction (upper direction in this case) intersecting with a direction (front-rear direction in this case) in which the terminal connecting portion 51, the holding portion 100, and the wire connecting portion 54 are arranged, for example. Each side wall 102 is formed to rise vertically from the upper surface of both end portions in the left-right direction of the bottom wall 101, for example. A recess 102X recessed toward the bottom wall 101 is formed in the upper end surface of each side wall 102. The term "perpendicular" in the present specification includes not only a case where the term is strictly perpendicular but also a case where the term is substantially perpendicular within a range where the effect of the present modification is exerted.
The bottom wall 101 and the pair of side walls 102 form a groove-like housing space 104. The housing space 104 is formed in a square tubular shape, for example. The housing space 104 is formed to open upward, for example. The housing space 104 is formed to penetrate in the front-rear direction, for example. Here, the locking portion 55 of the present modification is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, as shown in fig. 9, a part of the rear surface of the locking portion 55 is exposed from the housing space 104.
The heat storage body 110 is held by the holding portion 100. That is, the heat accumulator 110 is provided between the terminal connection portion 51 and the wire connection portion 54. The heat storage body 110 of the present modification is housed in the housing space 104 of the vehicle-side terminal 50. The heat storage body 110 includes a case 111 and the heat storage material 65 stored in the case 111.
The cartridge 111 has: a bottomed cylindrical cartridge main body 112 formed so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the housing space 104; and a cover 113 that closes the opening of the cartridge main body 112. As the material of the cartridge main body 112 and the lid 113, a material having thermal expansibility or a material having good thermal conductivity can be used as in the case of the cartridge main body 62 and the lid 63 (see fig. 5). The material of the cartridge main body 112 and the material of the cover 113 may be the same material as each other or may be different materials from each other.
The outer surface of the cartridge main body 112 is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the housing space 104, for example. The cartridge main body 112 of the present embodiment is formed in a bottomed rectangular tube shape. The outer dimension of the cartridge main body 112 is set to a size that can be fitted inside the housing space 104, for example. The cartridge main body 112 has a housing portion 114 that houses the heat storage material 65.
As shown in fig. 8, the cover 113 is fixed to the cartridge main body 112 so as to seal the opening of the cartridge main body 112. The lid 113 is fixed to the cartridge body 112 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like. The cover 113 is formed in a substantially square plate shape, for example. The cover 113 has a pair of engaging portions 113A that engage with the side walls 102 of the holding portion 100. Each engaging portion 113A is formed to protrude in the left-right direction, for example. Each engaging portion 113A is formed at a position corresponding to the recess 102X of the side wall 102, for example. For example, the engaging portion 113A is formed to engage with an engaging portion (not shown) formed in the recess 102X of the side wall 102.
As shown in fig. 9, in a state where the heat storage material 65 is stored in the storage portion 114 of the case main body 112, when the opening of the case main body 112 is closed by the lid 113, the heat storage material 65 is enclosed inside the case 111. For example, the lid 113 is fixed to the cartridge main body 112 so that the liquefied heat storage material 65 cannot flow therethrough.
The heat storage body 110 of the present modification is inserted into the housing space 104 of the holding portion 100 from above, for example, in the vertical direction. In this case, the heat storage body 110 is fixed to the case main body 112 by a fixing cover 113, and the heat storage material 65 is sealed inside the case 111. As shown in fig. 8, the heat storage body 110 is held by the holding portion 100 by engaging the engaging portion 113A of the cover 113 with an engaging portion (not shown) formed in the recess 102X of the side wall 102. This allows heat storage body 110 to be easily held by holding unit 100.
In the state where heat accumulator 110 is held by holding unit 100, for example, the upper surface of lid 113 is exposed from holding unit 100. In a state where the heat accumulator 110 is held by the holding portion 100, for example, at least a part of the bottom wall of the cartridge main body 112 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing space 104, specifically, the upper surface of the bottom wall 101. In the state where the heat storage body 110 is held by the holding portion 100, for example, at least a part of the side wall of the case main body 112 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing space 104, specifically, the inner surface of the side wall 102. The contact between the outer surface of the cartridge main body 112 and the inner surface of the housing space 104 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact.
In the modification shown in fig. 8, the cover 113 is provided with the engaging portion 113A that engages with the side wall 102 of the holding portion 100, but the position where the engaging portion 113A is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the engaging portion 113A may be provided in the cartridge main body 112.
In the above embodiment, the terminal connection portion 51 is embodied as a female terminal including the cylindrical connection portion 53, but is not limited thereto.
For example, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, a terminal connection portion 51A may be used instead of the terminal connection portion 51. The terminal connecting portion 51A is a male terminal. The terminal connecting portion 51A is formed in a columnar shape having a solid structure inside, for example. The terminal connecting portion 51A of the present modification is formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, for example, the charger-side terminal 82 (see fig. 3) is a female terminal.
For example, as shown in fig. 12 and 13, a terminal connection portion 51B may be used instead of the terminal connection portion 51. The terminal connecting portion 51B is formed in a flat plate shape, for example. The charger-side terminal 82 (see fig. 3) in this case may be a female terminal or a flat plate-like terminal.
In the above embodiment, the heat storage body 60 is held inside the holding portion 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heat storage body 60 may be held outside the holding portion 56. For example, the heat storage body 60 may be held by the holding portion 56 so as to cover the outer surface of the holding portion 56.
For example, as shown in fig. 12 and 13, the heat storage body 120 is held outside the holding portion 58 provided between the terminal connection portion 51B and the wire connection portion 54. The heat accumulator 120 is held by the holding portion 58 so as to cover a part of the outer surface of the holding portion 58.
As shown in fig. 13, the heat storage body 120 includes a case 121 and a heat storage material 65 stored in the case 121. The cartridge 121 includes a cylindrical cartridge main body 122 having a bottom and a lid 123 for closing an opening of the cartridge main body 122. As the material of the cartridge main body 122 and the lid 123, a material having thermal expansibility or a material having good thermal conductivity can be used as in the case of the cartridge main body 62 and the lid 63 (see fig. 5). The material of the cartridge main body 122 and the material of the lid 123 may be the same material as each other or may be different materials from each other.
The cartridge main body 122 of the present embodiment is formed in a bottomed rectangular tube shape. The cartridge main body 122 is sized to fit into the holding portion 58 from the outside. The cartridge main body 122 has a housing portion 124 that houses the heat storage material 65. The lid 123 is fixed to the cartridge main body 122 so as to close the opening of the cartridge main body 122. The lid 123 is fixed to the cartridge body 122 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like. The lid 123 is formed in a substantially square plate shape, for example. In a state where the heat accumulator 120 is held by the holding portion 58, for example, the lower surface of the lid 123 is in contact with the upper surface of the holding portion 58. The contact between the lower surface of the cover 123 and the upper surface of the holding portion 58 may be any one of surface contact, line contact, and point contact.
When the opening of the case main body 122 is closed by the lid 123 in a state where the heat storage material 65 is stored in the storage portion 124 of the case main body 122, the heat storage material 65 is enclosed inside the case 121. For example, the lid 123 is fixed to the case main body 122 so that the liquefied heat storage material 65 cannot flow therethrough.
As shown in fig. 12, the cartridge main body 122 has a pair of engaging portions 126 that engage with the holding portions 58. Each engaging portion 126 is formed to protrude downward from a side wall located at both ends in the left-right direction of the cartridge main body 122, for example. For example, each engaging portion 126 is formed to protrude downward from the housing portion 124 (see fig. 13). An engagement claw 126A that engages with the lower surface of the holding portion 58 is formed at the lower end of the engagement portion 126. The engagement claw 126A is formed so as to protrude toward the center portion in the left-right direction of the holding portion 58. The heat storage body 120 is held by the holding portion 58 by the engagement of the engagement claws 126A with the lower surface of the holding portion 58. At this time, the holding portion 58 is sandwiched between the cover 123 (see fig. 13) and the engaging portion 126 (engaging claw 126A).
In the above embodiment, the holding portion 56 is provided between the locking portion 55 and the wire connecting portion 54, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the holding portion 56 may be provided between the locking portion 55 and the terminal connecting portion 51.
In the above embodiment, the holding portion 56 and the heat storage body 60 held by the holding portion 56 are provided between the terminal connecting portion 51 and the wire connecting portion 54, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when the holding portion 56 that is a part of the vehicle-side terminal 50 has a structure that holds the heat storage body 60, the position where the holding portion 56 is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the holding portion 56 may be provided at a position vertically overlapping the wire connecting portion 54.
The stopper body 40 in the above embodiment may be omitted.
The connection method of the wire connection part 54 and the wire 70 in the above embodiment is not limited to crimping. For example, the electric wire connection portion 54 and the electric wire 70 may be connected by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or bolt fastening.
The structure of the electric wire 70 in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the wires 70 may also be embodied as bus bars.
In the above embodiment, the heat storage body 60 is mounted on the vehicle-side terminal 50, and the vehicle-side terminal 50 is provided on the vehicle-side connector 10 for charging the power storage device mounted on the vehicle V. For example, the heat storage body 60 may be mounted on a connection terminal provided in a connector mounted on the vehicle V other than the vehicle-side connector 10.
The charger side connector 80 of the embodiment is an example of a power supply connector having a power supply terminal. The vehicle-side connector 10 of the embodiment is an example of a power receiving connector having a power receiving terminal. The connection terminal according to the embodiment is an example of a vehicle charging terminal, and may be, for example, a vehicle power receiving terminal. The vehicle-side terminal 50 of the embodiment is an example of a terminal fitting. The cases 61, 111, and 121 of the heat storage bodies 60, 110, and 120 according to the embodiments are examples of heat storage material containers that are prepared separately from the terminal parts and are joined to the terminal parts so as to be capable of heat transfer. The housing portions 64, 114, and 124 of the embodiment are examples of heat storage material chambers that can be sealed so that the heat storage material 65 does not leak. The holder 56 of the embodiment is an example of a heat storage material container holder to which the heat storage material container is fixedly attached.
The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. Reference numerals are used for some components of the illustrated embodiments, and are not intended to limit the embodiments. Some of the items described in the following mounting examples may be omitted, or some of the items described in the mounting examples may be selected or extracted and combined.
[ additional note 1] the present disclosure includes a method of manufacturing a vehicle charging terminal. In several embodiments, a method of manufacturing a vehicle charging terminal can include: a step of preparing a terminal component (50); preparing a heat storage body (60; 110; 120); and a step of fixing the heat storage body (60; 110; 120) to the terminal fitting (50).
[ additional note 2] in several embodiments, the step of preparing the terminal member (50) may include: and a step of integrally forming a terminal connection part (51; 51A; 51B) configured to be connected to a power supply terminal, a wire connection part (54) configured to be connected to a wire, and a container holder (56) provided between the terminal connection part (51; 51A; 51B) and the wire connection part (54). The integrally forming step may include a step of pressing a metal plate.
[ additional 3] in several embodiments, the step of preparing the heat storage body (60; 110; 120) may include: a step for preparing a heat storage material (65); a step of preparing a heat storage material container (61; 111; 121); and a step of storing the heat storage material (65) in the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121).
[ additional note 4] in several embodiments, the step of preparing the heat storage material (65) may include: a heat-accumulative material (65) is prepared as a solid having a predetermined shape such as a powder, a granule, a flake, or a block. The heat storage material (65) is configured such that: the heat of the terminal fitting transmitted through the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) is received, and the heat is liquefied, fluidized, or softened in the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121).
[ additional note 5] in several embodiments, the step of preparing the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) may include: a heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) configured to thermally bond the terminal fitting (50) and the heat storage material (65) and promote heat transfer from the terminal fitting to the heat storage material (65) is prepared.
[ additional reference 6] in some embodiments, the step of housing the heat storage material (65) in the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) may include a step of sealing the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121).
[ additional note 7] in some embodiments, the step of fixing the heat storage body (60; 110; 120) to the terminal fitting (50) includes: and a step of fixedly mounting the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) to the container holder (56) of the terminal fitting (50) after the terminal fitting (50) is prepared.
[ note 8] in several embodiments, the fixedly assembling step may include: and a step of bringing the heat storage material container (61; 111; 121) and the container holder (56) into close contact with each other with a contact area therebetween.
The embodiments disclosed herein are considered to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.
Description of the reference numerals
V vehicle
10 vehicle side connector
20 connector shell
30 main body of the shell
31 fitting part
31A cover part
31B inner wall part
32 flange part
32X assembly hole
33 barrel part
34 terminal receiving part
35 terminal holding part
40 stop body
41 base part
42 peripheral wall
43 terminal pressing part
44 electric wire holding part
45 surrounding the wall
50 vehicle side terminal
51. 51A, 51B terminal connection part
52 base
53 cylindrical connection part
53A elastic sheet
53X slit
54 wire connecting part
55 locking part
56 holding part
57 accommodating space
58 holding part
60. 110, 120 heat accumulator
61. 111, 121 box
62. 112, 122 box main body
63. 113, 123 covers
64. 114, 124 receiving parts
65 Heat-accumulating Material
70 electric wire
71 core wire
72 insulating coating
80 charger side connector
81 connector housing
82 charger side terminal
90 holding part
91 bottom wall
92 protruding piece
100 holding part
101 bottom wall
102 side wall
102X recess
104 accommodating space
113A engaging part
126 engaging part
126A engaging claw
Claims (9)
1. A connecting terminal has:
a metal terminal; and
a heat accumulator held by the terminal,
the terminal has:
a terminal connecting portion electrically connected to a counterpart terminal;
an electric wire connecting portion electrically connected to an electric wire; and
a holding portion formed integrally with the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion,
the heat storage body is held by the holding portion.
2. A connection terminal according to claim 1,
the holding portion is provided between the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion.
3. A connecting terminal according to claim 1 or claim 2,
the heat storage body is held inside the holding portion.
4. A connecting terminal according to any one of claim 1 to claim 3,
the heat storage body has:
a cartridge held by the holding portion; and
and a heat storage material housed inside the case.
5. A connection terminal according to claim 4,
the cartridge is composed of a material having thermal expansibility.
6. A connecting terminal according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5,
the holding portion is formed in a cylindrical shape,
the heat storage body is provided in the internal space of the holding portion.
7. A connecting terminal according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5,
the holding portion has a projecting piece projecting in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion are arranged,
the holding portion holds the heat storage body by pressure-bonding the protruding piece to an outer surface of the heat storage body.
8. A connecting terminal according to any one of claim 1 to claim 5,
the holding portion has a bottom wall extending between the terminal connecting portion and the wire connecting portion, and a side wall erected on the bottom wall,
the heat storage body has an engaging portion that engages with the side wall.
9. A connector, wherein,
comprising: a connection terminal according to any one of claim 1 to claim 8; and
a connector housing holding the connection terminal.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2019-091645 | 2019-05-14 | ||
| JP2019091645A JP7163865B2 (en) | 2019-05-14 | 2019-05-14 | Connection terminals and connectors |
| PCT/JP2020/018437 WO2020230672A1 (en) | 2019-05-14 | 2020-05-01 | Connection terminal and connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN113812045A true CN113812045A (en) | 2021-12-17 |
Family
ID=73222955
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202080034970.7A Pending CN113812045A (en) | 2019-05-14 | 2020-05-01 | Connecting terminal and connector |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US11824313B2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP7163865B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN113812045A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020230672A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP7088216B2 (en) * | 2020-01-10 | 2022-06-21 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Reference jig |
| JP7440548B2 (en) | 2021-06-23 | 2024-02-28 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
| US20220416471A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-29 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector |
| JP7384865B2 (en) | 2021-07-28 | 2023-11-21 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Connecting terminal |
| DE102022133099A1 (en) * | 2022-12-13 | 2024-06-13 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | CHARGING SOCKET FOR A VEHICLE |
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| JP2012215378A (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2012-11-08 | Tokyo Univ Of Science | Heat storage device and system with the same |
| JP2014154374A (en) * | 2013-02-08 | 2014-08-25 | Auto Network Gijutsu Kenkyusho:Kk | Charging connector |
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| JP7006483B2 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2022-02-10 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | connector |
| JP2019197641A (en) * | 2018-05-09 | 2019-11-14 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | connector |
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| JP7348238B2 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-09-20 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
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- 2020-05-01 WO PCT/JP2020/018437 patent/WO2020230672A1/en active Application Filing
- 2020-05-01 CN CN202080034970.7A patent/CN113812045A/en active Pending
- 2020-05-01 US US17/608,308 patent/US11824313B2/en active Active
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| CN104810661A (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2015-07-29 | 富士康(昆山)电脑接插件有限公司 | Electric connector |
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| CN108886213A (en) * | 2016-03-22 | 2018-11-23 | 菲尼克斯电动交通有限公司 | Plug-in connection part comprising arranging heat-keeping element on the contact members |
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| CN109624741A (en) * | 2018-12-10 | 2019-04-16 | 沈杞萌 | A kind of charging assembly for automobile |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2020187920A (en) | 2020-11-19 |
| US11824313B2 (en) | 2023-11-21 |
| WO2020230672A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
| US20220216654A1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
| JP7163865B2 (en) | 2022-11-01 |
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